Gamma-glutamyltransferase Activity Research Articles

Short-term dietary teprenone improved thermal tolerance and mitigated liver damage caused by heat stress in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Heat stress seriously threatens fish survival and health, demanding immediate attention. Teprenone is a gastric mucosal protective agent that can induce heat shock protein expression. This research investigated the effects of teprenone on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) subjected to heat stress. Juvenile fish were assigned to different groups: group C (control group, 0 mg teprenone/kg diet), T0, T200, T400, and T800 (0, 200, 400, and 800 mg teprenone/kg diet, respectively), which were fed for 3 days, followed by a day without the diet. All groups except group C were subjected to acute heat stress (from 24 °C to 35 °C at 1 °C per hour and then maintained at 35 °C for 3 h). The results were as follows: The critical thermal maxima were significantly higher in the T200, T400, and T800 groups compared with the T0 group (P < 0.05). Heat stress caused severe damage to the tissue morphology of the liver, while teprenone significantly reduced this injury (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol concentration decreased gradually as teprenone concentration increased, and the lowest concentration was observed in the T800 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the T0 group, the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were significantly lower in the T200, T400, and T800 groups (P < 0.05). The liver activities of catalase, total superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were significantly higher in the T200 group than in the T0 group (P < 0.05). Transcript levels of the heat shock proteins (hsp90, hsp70, hspa5, and hsf1) and caspase family (caspase3 and caspase9) in the liver of the T200 group were significantly higher than those of the T0 group (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that HSP70 and HSPA5 in the liver were significantly upregulated in the T200 group compared with the T0 group (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary teprenone improved thermal tolerance, alleviated heat stress damage in the liver, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and upregulated heat shock proteins in juvenile largemouth bass. This study offers theoretical support for applying teprenone in aquaculture to reduce financial losses caused by abiotic factors.

Clinicopathological and pedigree investigation of a novel spinocerebellar neurological disease in juvenile Quarter Horses in North America.

In 2020, a novel neurologic disease was observed in juvenile Quarter Horses (QHs) in North America. It was unknown if this was an aberrant manifestation of another previously described neurological disorder in foals, such as equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM). To describe the clinical findings, outcomes, and postmortem changes with Equine Juvenile Spinocerebellar Ataxia (EJSCA), differentiate the disease from other similar neurological disorders, and determine a mode of inheritance. Twelve neurologically affected QH foals and the dams. Genomic DNA was isolated and pedigrees were manually constructed. All foals (n = 12/12) had a history of acute onset of neurological deficits with no history of trauma. Neurological deficits were characterized by asymmetrical spinal ataxia, with pelvic limbs more severely affected than thoracic limbs. Clinicopathological abnormalities included high serum activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase and hyperglycemia. All foals became recumbent (median, 3 days: [0-18 days]), which necessitated humane euthanasia (n = 11/12, 92%; the remaining case was found dead). Histological evaluation at postmortem revealed dilated myelin sheaths and digestion chambers within the spinal cord, most prominently in the dorsal spinocerebellar tracts. Pedigree analysis revealed a likely autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. EJSCA is a uniformly fatal, rapidly progressive, likely autosomal recessive neurological disease of QHs <1 month of age in North America that is etiologically distinct from other clinically similar neurological disorders. Once the causative variant for EJSCA is validated, carriers can be identified through genetic testing to inform breeding decisions.

Canine and feline foetal fluids: Volume, hormonal and biochemical characterization during pregnancy.

This study aimed to evaluate the volume, the concentration of steroid hormones, and biochemical composition of the foetal fluids at different gestational ages in dogs and cats. Following the ovariohysterectomy, the allantoic and amniotic fluid samples were collected from pregnant bitches and queens and were assigned to different groups according to their gestational age. The canine and feline allantoic fluid volume increased during pregnancy, reached its maximum values on days 40-49 and then decreased. The canine and feline amniotic fluid volume increased steadily by the last days of pregnancy. In spite of significant changes of sex hormones in the foetal fluids, their concentration and ratios were not significantly different between male and female fetuses. The canine amniotic cortisol concentration increased until days 40-49 and decreased significantly afterwards. The maximum cortisol concentrations in the feline allantoic and amniotic fluids were observed on days 50-60 and 40-49, respectively. During the canine pregnancy, the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and the activities of aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the amniotic fluid were higher than the allantoic fluid. The magnesium, potassium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, creatine and lipase were higher in the allantoic fluid. In the feline allantoic fluid, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, creatinine, albumin and glucose concentrations and the activities of creatine kinase (CK), GGT, LDH and lipase were higher. The ALP, AST activities, sodium and calcium concentrations were higher in the amniotic fluid (p<0.05). Volume of foetal fluids was determined in dogs and cats. Concentration of sex hormones did not different between male and female fetuses.

Intrahepatic mucinous cholangiocarcinoma with recurrent colic in a horse: case report and literature review of cholangiocarcinoma in horses.

A 17-y-old Arabian mare was presented to the Auburn Large Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a long-term history of intermittent mild recurrent colic that responded to medical treatment. CBC revealed mild lymphopenia; serum biochemistry findings were of increased gamma-glutamyl transferase and creatine kinase activities, hyperferremia, hyperglycemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia. Abdominocentesis was compatible with low-protein transudate. Due to the progression and duration of clinical signs, the owner elected euthanasia. Postmortem examination and histopathology confirmed a cholangiocarcinoma. The neoplastic cells were arranged in large cysts containing lakes of mucin that comprised 90% of the tumor volume; thus, a mucinous variant was determined. The neoplastic cells had strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling for cytokeratin 19 and lacked immunolabeling for hepatocyte paraffin 1, supporting bile duct origin. Cholangiocarcinomas are infrequent tumors in horses with nonspecific and slow progressive clinical signs, including recurrent colic. Mucinous cholangiocarcinomas are seldom reported in veterinary medicine and, to our knowledge, have not been reported previously in horses.

The multidirectional assessment of moderate caloric restriction and metformin treatment in obese patients.

Obesity treatment is often burdensome for patients. We used the combination of moderate caloric restriction (CR) with hypoglycemic metformin to assess their multidirectional effect in obese patients. One group was treated only with moderate CR (n=21) the second was treated with moderate CR and 800 mg metformin twice daily (n=23). Serum was drawn before and after treatment. The following parameters were monitored: anthropometric, cardiovascular, inflammatory, metabolic, and markers characteristic for thyroid, liver, pancreas, and kidney functions. Both tested groups did not significantly differ in most tested parameters after the treatment. Two groups reduced anthropometric parameters (body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and fat mass but also muscle and fat-free mass, improving systolic blood pressure, insulin and leptin concentration, insulin sensitivity, leptin to adiponectin ratio, and inflammatory markers. Unfortunately, there was little impact on improving dyslipidemia and the thyroid and liver parameters. Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity were decreased in both groups, but triglycerides were reduced only in patients treated with moderate CR. Metformin with CR treatment decreases uric acid and aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) activity. Metformin treatment with moderate CR in obese patients mainly improved insulin sensitivity, resulting in a reduction of patients with glucose intolerance, improved anthropometric, cardiovascular, and inflammatory mediators, and only slightly enhanced liver and thyroid function. No changes in kidney and pancreas function were observed during the treatment. In conclusion, eight weeks of CR alone and CR with metformin in obese adults improved anthropometric and metabolic markers, reduced muscle mass, fT3, GGT, proinflammatory, and CV parameters, and displayed no changes in kidney and pancreas function. The group treated with metformin after the treatment was still more obese and had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and homeostasis model assessment-an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), but despite this, considerably reduced the number of patients with glucose intolerance.

A cross-sectional study on performance evaluation in Italian standardbred horses’ real-time PCR-positive for Theileria equi

BackgroundInflammatory myopathy and perivasculitis have been recently described in horses with chronic equine piroplasmosis (EP). These alterations may be linked to poor performances. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence for EP in clinically healthy Italian Standardbred (IS) racehorses and to compare laboratory parameters and performance metrics between positive and negative horses. Real-time PCR was applied for the detection of T. equi and B. caballi positivity. Haematology parameters, blood chemistry results, subjective muscle mass scores, and performance metrics were compared between PCR-positive and -negative horses.ResultsThis cross-sectional study included 120 well-trained IS racehorses and was performed over a two-years period. The prevalence of T. equi was 36.3%, whereas all samples were negative for B. caballi. Red blood cells count, haemoglobin concentration, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were significantly higher in PCR-positive horses, whereas blood urea nitrogen, globulin concentration and globulin-to-albumin ratio were significantly lower in PCR-positive horses compared to PCR-negative ones. Nonetheless, all values fell within the physiological range. The best racing time, which was selected as the most representative of the performance metrics at the principal component analysis, was not affected by PCR positivity, the muscle mass score or the training yard. The best racing time was significantly better in horses with a mild or no signs of muscular atrophy, within the PCR-positive group. The muscle mass score was associated with the training yard in PCR-negative horses.ConclusionsPrevalence of T. equi was high in IS racehorses in southern Italy. The absence of obvious changes in haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as performance metrics in positive horses, highlights the need for specific diagnostic tests to identify chronically infected horses.

Suspected intoxication by Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) of dairy cattle in the Azores, Portugal

ABSTRACT Case history An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals affected were non-lactating dairy cows and heifers from five small farms grazing (free or tethered) a Kikuyu-dominant pasture. Of the 29 animals exposed, 17 were affected, and eight (five heifers and three adult cows) died, resulting in a morbidity rate of 58%, a mortality rate of 28% and a case mortality rate of 47%. Clinical findings and treatment The clinical signs were non-specific and inconsistent, and included dry faeces, some with dark red blood; apathy and prostration; abdominal dilatation; tachycardia; tachypnoea; pale or jaundiced mucous membranes; sham drinking; sialorrhoea; and moderate to severe dehydration. Symptomatic treatment was provided but was ineffective. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and azotaemia. The most consistent necropsy findings were haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, an enlarged liver with rounded edges, non-perforated abomasal ulcers, and haemorrhagic lesions in the small and large intestines. Histopathology indicated myocarditis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, enteritis and colitis. Several fungal species were isolated from grass samples taken from affected pastures including several Fusarium spp., the genus implicated in Kikuyu toxicosis. Immediate removal of the animals from the pasture with Kikuyu was the only measure that prevented new cases and resulted in the recovery of some of the less affected animals. Diagnosis The epidemiological features of this outbreak and the clinical signs and micro– and macroscopic lesions observed were highly suggestive of Kikuyu grass poisoning. Clinical relevance Although the weather conditions varied from other published cases, the grazing conditions (almost exclusive Kikuyu grass) and the post-mortem findings were very similar to those described in the literature, particularly the haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium. Kikuyu grass is very invasive and presents many desirable characteristics as cattle feed. Thus, an increase in cases of intoxication may be expected. Practitioners and farmers in areas where Kikuyu grass is abundant should be aware of the potential risks of grazing cattle exclusively on these pastures. They should also be aware of the early and subtle signs of Kikuyu intoxication to allow for timely removal of the animals from pasture.

Phenotypic and genome-wide studies on dicarbonyls: major associations to glomerular filtration rate and gamma-glutamyltransferase activity

The dicarbonyl compounds methylglyoxal (MG), glyoxal (GO) and 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG) have been linked to various diseases. However, disease-independent phenotypic and genotypic association studies with phenome-wide and genome-wide reach, respectively, have not been provided. MG, GO and 3-DG were measured by LC-MS in 1304 serum samples of two populations (KORA, n=482; BiDirect, n=822) and assessed for associations with genome-wide SNPs (GWAS) and with phenome-wide traits. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to identify major independent trait associations. Mutual correlations of dicarbonyls were highly significant, being stronger between MG and GO (ρ=0.6) than between 3-DG and MG or GO (ρ=0.4). Significant phenotypic results included associations of all dicarbonyls with sex, waist-to-hip ratio, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and hypertension, of MG and GO with age and C-reactive protein, of GO and 3-DG with glucose and antidiabetics, of MG with contraceptives, of GO with ferritin, and of 3-DG with smoking. RDA revealed GFR, GGT and, in case of 3-DG, glucose as major contributors to dicarbonyl variance. GWAS did not identify genome-wide significant loci. SNPs previously associated with glyoxalase activity did not reach nominal significance. When multiple testing was restricted to the lead SNPs of GWASs on the traits selected by RDA, 3-DG was found to be associated (p=2.3×10-5) with rs1741177, an eQTL of NF-κB inhibitor NFKBIA. This large-scale, population-based study has identified numerous associations, with GFR and GGT being of pivotal importance, providing unbiased perspectives on dicarbonyls beyond the current state. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Helmholtz Munich, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), German Federal Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF).

Hepatoprotective effect of the flavonoid fustin in a rat model of paracetamol-induced acute liver damage

Paracetamol (PCM)-induced toxicity is a well-established pharmacological model. Cotinus coggygria is a medicinal plant rich in polyphenols, including the flavonoid fustin. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the flavonoid fustin isolated from Cotinus coggygria heartwood in a model of PCM-induced liver damage. Male Wistar rats (n=48) were allocated to four groups: Control, PCM, F5+PCM, F10+PCM. The rodents were treated daily orally for nine consecutive days as follows: groups F5+PCM and F10+PCM – with fustin (suspended in a vehicle) at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively; groups Control and PCM – with the vehicle. PCM was injected intraperitoneally (1.0 g/kg) on day 7. At the end of the experiment, serum and liver samples were prepared. PCM caused a severe liver damage confirmed by histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical indices. Compared to PCM group, in F5+PCM and F10+PCM groups, the hepatic necrosis, steatosis, ballooning degeneration, inflammation and expression of NF-κB were significantly reduced. Fustin treatment resulted in a significant reduction of serum activities of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase to levels that did not differ from the control values. The present study demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect of the flavonoid fustin in a rat model of acute paracetamol-induced toxicity.

Effect of dimercaptosuccinic acid against lead-induced clastogenicity and enzyme activity in mice in-vivo

Indiscriminate exposure of humans to heavy metal contamination via occupation and enviro nmental pollution has been reported with its attendant health burdens including genetic mutation and cancer. This study examined effect of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) a metal chelator against lead-induced mutagenicity in mice and resultant effect on proper formation of erythrocyte cells. Lead acetate (2.5 mg/kg b.wt) and DMSA (25 mg/kg b.wt) were fed to the mice via oral gavage for 14 consecutive days. Clastogenic effects were observed in the bone marrow cells using micronucleus assay while activity of gamma glutamyl transferase (ý-GT) in both serum and liver was evaluated and the hematologic state of the mice was also monitored. The results obtained indicate that group B animals fed with lead acetate only, significantly (P&lt;0.05) induced the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) in bone marrow of mice compared with control. However, in group C animals fed simultaneously with lead acetate and DMSA, the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced while there was marked reduction in levels of hematologic parameters in group D animals. Results from enzyme assay showed that treatment with DMSA resulted in decrease activities for both liver and serum gamma glutamyl transferase with highest mean values of 5.02 U/L and 4.38 U/L respectively. This study underscores the cytotoxicity of lead acetate and ameliorative effect of DMSA with great respite from organic alternative therapy.

Studying the relationship of liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase with the activity of gammaglutamyltransferase in horses

Studying the relationship of liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase with the activity of gammaglutamyltransferase in horses

Effect of postpartum drenching on plasma parameters of cows at a large-scale dairy farm.

The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of postpartum drenching with a feed additive on the plasma concentration of biochemical parameters while factoring in prepartum rumination times (RT). One hundred and sixty-one cows were fitted with a Ruminact© HR-Tag approximately 5 days before calving. Drenching and control groups were established based on calving dates. Animals in the drenched group were treated three times (Day 1/day of calving/, Day 2, and Day 3 postpartum) using a feed additive containing calcium propionate, magnesium sulphate, yeast, potassium chloride and sodium chloride mixed in approximately 25 L of lukewarm tap water. Blood samples were collected on Days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 12. Cows with below the average RT were categorised as "low rumination" and those above it as "high rumination" animals. Drenching decreased the plasma concentrations of total protein, urea and creatinine and increased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and chloride. Low rumination time prepartum resulted in higher concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, total protein and activities of alkaline phosphatase and GGT, while it decreased the activity of ALT and the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The day of lactation had an effect on all parameters except for potassium.

Successful Use of Bortezomib for Recurrent Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type II After Liver Transplantation: A Pediatric Case with a 9-Year Follow-Up.

Recurrence of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) type II poses challenges during postoperative liver transplant care. Posttransplant patients with PFIC type II risk developing recurrent cholestasis with normal gamma-glutamyl transferase activity, which mimics the original bile salt export pump (BSEP) protein deficiency and is related to a form of immunoglobulin G antibody (anti-BSEP)-mediated rejection. Bortezomib effectively induces apoptosis of actively antibody-producing plasma cells that may have a role in antibody-mediated rejection. In this case, we used bortezomib to treat PFIC type II recurrence after liver transplantation in a child.

Comparison of the effects of BDNF/TRKB signalling on metabolic biomarkers in the liver of sedentary and trained rats with normal and knockout BDNF genotypes.

Introduction: The effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the modulation of metabolic processes in the liver is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether hepatic concentrations or activities of metabolic biomarkers depend on altered BDNF/TrkB content in the liver, resulting from different BDNF genotypes of rats. In addition, it was assessed whether 5-week moderate endurance training modifies the levels of BDNF/Trk-B signaling and studied hepatic markers. Methods: Experiments were performed on wild-type and heterozygous BDNF knockout (HET, SD-Bdnf) rats, which were divided into four groups: control with normal genotype (Bdnf+/+), control with BDNF knockout genotype (Bdnf+/-), trained with normal genotype (Bdnf+/+T) and trained with BDNF knockout genotype (Bdnf +/-T). BDNF/TrkB concentrations as well as selected metabolic biomarkers including lipids-total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG); enzymes-alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP); hormones-insulin (INS) and leptin (LEPT) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) as regeneration indicator were measured directly in liver homogenates. Results and Discussion: The study showed that Bdnf+/- rats exhibited reduced BDNF/TrkB signaling (BDNF, p < 0.0001; Trk-B, p = 0.0005), altered lipid levels (CHOL, p < 0.0001; LDL, p < 0.0001; TG, p = 0.0006) and reduced hepatic ALAT (p = 0.0004) and GGT (p < 0.0001) activity, which may contribute to hepatic steatosis and obesity, as well as indicate impairment of specific metabolic pathways in the liver. Interestingly, endurance training did not alter hepatic BDNF and TrkB content, but improved ALAT (p = 0.0366) and ASAT (p = 0.0191) activities and increased hepatic IL-6 (p = 0.0422) levels in Bdnf +/- rats, suggesting enhanced liver regeneration in animals with BDNF allele loss.

Rutin attenuated hexachlorobenzene-induced testicular injury via regulation of oxidative stress, steroidogenic enzymes and apoptotic process in male rats

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a pesticide that is constantly produced as a by-product in many industrial processes. Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid found in many plants with numerous biological and pharmacological properties. However, there is no scientifical information on the impact of RUT on HCB-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Thus, we investigated the effect of rutin on HCB-induced reproductive toxicity. Rats were divided into four groups consisting of control administered with corn oil, HCB alone (16 mg/kg), RUT alone (100 mg/kg) and HCB + RUT that were treated orally by gavage for 28 days. Hexachlorobenzene caused a significant reduction in epididymal sperm count, sperm progressive motility, viability, number of hypo-osmotic tail swelled spermatozoa and increased sperm morphological abnormalities (head, midpiece and tail). Furthermore, HCB decreased the activities of gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, levels of glutathione and total protein with increased malondialdehyde level. Additionally, HCB increased the levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone but decreased high density lipoproteins, serum testosterone, steroidogenic enzymes (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), B-cell lymphoma and increased pro-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2 associated protein (Bax), caspases-3 and-9) alongside histological and histomorphometrical abnormalities. Nevertheless, RUT prevented all the aberrations caused by HCB. Our result showed that HCB induced reproductive toxicity in rats and RUT protected against HCB-induced r reproductive toxicity.

Association between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and early-onset coronary artery disease: a retrospective case-control study

BackgroundSerum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity has been proposed as a promising predictor of atherosclerosis-related complications and a prognostic marker for cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between serum levels of GGT and early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD).MethodsA retrospective, hospital-based case-control study was conducted, which included 860 patients with EOCAD and gender- and age-matched controls. Serum levels of GGT were measured using the reference measurement procedure on an automatic biochemistry analyser.ResultsThe serum GGT levels of patients with EOCAD (34.90 ± 31.44 U/L) were significantly higher than those of the control group (21.57 ± 16.44 U/L, p < .001). Elevated serum levels of GGT were found to be an independent risk factor for EOCAD, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.021 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.014–1.029). Additionally, for every quartile increase in serum GGT levels, the risk of developing EOCAD increased by 1.6-fold. Moreover, serum GGT levels were significantly associated with disease severity, with lower GGT levels observed in patients without significant vascular disease (31.74 ± 24.06 U/L) compared to those with two-vessel disease (33.06 ± 25.00 U/L, p = .002) and three-vessel disease (37.75 ± 36.76 U/L, p = .001).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that elevated serum GGT levels are associated with the development of EOCAD, and GGT may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to explore the potential relationship between serum GGT levels and the dynamic development of EOCAD.

Antibiotic-Associated Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Observational Study

Scientific relevance. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is associated, among other things, with the use of antibiotics. Children with DILI are at risk of acute liver failure and even death. However, the literature on the subject provides little information on the possibility of distinguishing the types of hepatic lesions to diagnose potentially life-threatening DILI in time.Aim. The study aimed to describe the phenotype of new-onset DILI associated with antibiotics in critically ill children with nosocomial infection.Materials and methods. The authors conducted a prospective observational study in the resuscitation and intensive care units of the Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital from 1 February 2020 to 1 September 2021. The study assessed the incidence of antibiotic-associated DILI using the Global Trigger Tool. The study enrolled 100 critically ill children with nosocomial infection aged 0 to 17 years (44 boys and 56 girls).Results. Signs of hepatotoxicity were detected in 19 patients, including 8 with abnormal liver function tests but normal liver function and 11 with abnormal liver function tests and clinically apparent liver disease. Thus, the incidence of new-onset hepatotoxicity associated with antibiotics amounted to 12.9 cases per 100,000 paediatric patients, and the incidence of DILI was 7.5 cases per 100,000 children. Based on the analysis of medical records, biochemical findings, and relationships between the time of dosing and the manifestation of signs of liver disorder in 11 children, the authors characterised the phenotype of idiosyncratic cholestatic hepatitis. Critically ill children treated with antibiotics showed alanine transaminase activity up to 10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), bilirubin levels up to 4.45 times the ULN, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity up to 5 times the ULN. The odds of developing new-onset DILI were the highest with tigecycline (OR: 4.07; 95% CI: 1.32–12.50) and meropenem (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.01–3.36). In 6 patients, clinical signs of idiosyncratic cholestatic hepatitis resolved within a few weeks after antibiotic discontinuation. The other 5 patients with clinical signs of idiosyncratic cholestatic hepatitis died.Conclusions. The authors described the phenotype of idiosyncratic cholestatic liver injury associated with antibiotics in critically ill children. The role of pharmacogenetic markers in the development of DILI associated with antibiotics in critically ill children needs to be assessed further to implement a risk-based approach and mitigate the risks.

Dietary Effects of Mycotoxins Adsorbents Mycostop Premium® and Mycostop Duplo® on Piglets Productive Performance and Blood Serum Enzyme Activities

This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of mycotoxin adsorbents Mycostop Premium® and Mycostop Duplo® on piglets' productive performance and serum enzyme activities. A total of 100 weaned piglets (28 days old) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups (20 piglets in each group) for a duration of 42 days. The dietary treatments included: control group C with no mycotoxin adsorbent; group E1 supplemented with Mycostop Premium® adsorbent in amount of 1kg/t of feed; group E2 supplemented with Mycostop Premium® adsorbent in amount of 2.5kg/t of feed; group E3 supplemented with Mycostop Duplo® adsorbent in amount of 1kg/t of feed; and group E4 supplemented with Mycostop Duplo® adsorbent in amount of 2.5kg/t of feed. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The results revealed significant improvements in productive performance parameters, including average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), in piglets fed diets containing mycotoxin adsorbents. Serum enzyme activities were also assessed to gauge the impact of mycotoxin adsorbents on piglets' health. The activities of liver enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and gut health-related enzymes (amylase and lipase) were evaluated. Piglets consuming diets supplemented with mycotoxin adsorbents exhibited a reduction in the activities of liver enzymes, indicating lower hepatic stress, and an enhancement in the activity of gut health-related enzymes, reflecting improved nutrient digestion and absorption. In conclusion, the inclusion of mycotoxin adsorbents in piglet diets resulted in significant improvements in productive performance and serum enzyme activities.

Metabolic Profile of F1 Holstein × Zebu Lactating Dairy Cows Under Grazing Supplemented with Two Non-Protein Nitrogen Sources

Pastures dedicated to cattle production in Venezuela have a low crude protein concentration. One of the nutritional strategies to correct the forage protein deficit is using non-protein nitrogen in the diet. To evaluate the effect of two non-protein nitrogen sources on the metabolic profile of lactating dairy cows, 31 F1 Holstein × Zebu multiparous cows averaging 419 ± 46 kg body weight and 17.1 ± 3.3 kg milk·animal·d-1 were randomly assigned to two treatments for 91 days: 1) 59 g·animal-1·d-1 of urea and 2) 64 g·animal-1·d-1 of Optigen II® as slow-release urea (SRU). The animals were grazing (2.12 AU·ha-1) on Urochloa decumbens, U. humidicola, and U. brizantha (7.98-9.61 % CP) and supplied with 4 kg·animal·d-1 of concentrate (15 % CP), and 108, 60, and 108 g·animal·d-1 of mineral, molasses, and bypass fat, respectively. Glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, urea, and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were determined in blood serum samples every 28 days. ANOVA analyzed data in a completely randomized design with repeated measures. There were no differences among treatments in the parameters investigated; however, collecting time influenced all of them. No treatment × time interactions were found except for albumin concentration, higher in urea at day 0. The results indicate that under the conditions assayed in the present work, Optigen II® offers no advantage over urea concerning blood indicators of energy and protein metabolism and hepatic functionality in dairy cows.

Effect of Dietary Calcium Propionate Inclusion Level and Duration in High-Risk Newly Received Stocker Calves: Growth Performance, Body Fat Reserves, and Health

This study utilized fifty bull calves of the Continental × British crossbreed, with an average body weight of 147.0 ± 1.67 kg (BW), in a completely randomized design. The objective was to examine the impact of varying levels and duration of calcium propionate (CaPr) supplementation on the growth performance, body fat reserves, serum metabolites, and hemogram of high-risk newly received stocker calves. These calves were individually housed and fed a received diet for 56 d. The calves received the following treatments: (1) no CaPr (CTL), (2) 20 g CaPr/calf/d, (3) 40 g CaPr/calf/d, (4) 60 g CaPr/calf/d, and (5) 80 g CaPr/calf/d at 14, 28, 42, and 56 d after their arrival. Supplementing with 20 g CaPr from 28 to 56 d after arrival increased average daily gain (ADG) and BW (p &lt; 0.05), and DMI was not affected (p &gt; 0.05). This was reflected at 28 d with increases (p &lt; 0.05) in the ADG/DMI ratio and longissimus muscle area (LMA), and at 56 d in back fat thickness (BFT) and fat thickness at the rump (FTR). Also, with 20 g, blood urea nitrogen decreased (p &lt; 0.05), and increases were observed in the activity of gamma glutamyltransferase, monocytes (quadratic trend, p &lt; 0.07), and granulocytes % (quadratic effect, p &lt; 0.03). However, as the level of CaPr increased during the first 14 d after arrival, daily water intake, creatinine, total cholesterol, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (linear effect, p &lt; 0.05), globulin, calcium, and mean corpuscular volume (linear trend, p = 0.08) increased, while alkaline phosphatase (linear trend, p = 0.07) and lymphocytes (linear effect, p = 0.05) decreased. Finally, the different levels of CaPr supplementation did not produce any significant effects or differences (p &gt; 0.05) in the remaining serum metabolites and hemogram (p &gt; 0.05). Ultimately, the inclusion of 20 g CaPr/calf/d in the diet for 28 d in newly received stocker calves increased ADG, ADG/DMI ratio, and LMA. If extended to 42 or 56 d, the increases in ADG persisted, but there was also a rise in body fat reserves (BFT and FTR) at the expense of a reduction in the ADG/DMI ratio. Furthermore, the different supplementation levels did not impact the reference range for most serum metabolites or the health of stocker calves.